Here’s what’s new in the latest release:

1. Quantum HDR Engine

The new Quantum HDR Engine is combining brackets in a much more intelligent way resulting in images that have fewer burnt out colours, fewer halos and less noise. And its faster too. So right off the bat when your brackets come in to Aurora you are starting off with a better image before you even touch any of the sliders.

2. HDR Smart Structure

It is smart! This slider now analyses your image and only applies structure to the more detailed parts of the scene. No one wants structure in the smooth areas of the sky! This feature now makes it easier to get this effect where you want it without the need for using layers to achieve the result.

3. Adjustable Gradient

Formerly called Top & Bottom Tuning, this panel now includes highlights and shadows sliders. That means that you can easily adjust the highlights and shadows in just the sky or just the foreground. Before now, you had to use layers to create this effect in just part of the frame.

4. LUT mapping

You can now add colour profiles to your images in a similar way as Lightroom. This is an easy way to get a dramatic look and feel to your images.

Is it worth it?

The 2019 version of Aurora definitely has some great improvements. You can now get better results easier and quicker. However, I feel those results are possible to achieve in the 2018 version of the software – you just have to work a little harder for it.

If you are doing a lot of HDR, your workflow will be much faster with the 2019 version. Also, if you are not comfortable using layers, the 2019 version will be easier for you. But if you just bought the 2018 version and you are comfortable using layers to achieve the results you want, then you can probably get by with what you have for awhile longer.

Comments

Hi Anne,
So sorry to hear about your medical problems and so sad about your Beagle. Have you considered surgery for your BA K and knees? Fusion for your back is a popular surgery here in the US. I have known many people who had this surgery and are leading normal lives. Knee replacement is also a great alternative to pain in the knees and have also know lots of people who’ve had this done with great outcomes. Hope you choose a positive outcome instead of pain and limited mobility.

Still love your photos and always will. BTW, do yiu have a description for what Aurora does? I’m confused about what it replaces, Lightroom?

Hi Janet, I actually had back surgery to remove a ruptured disk 20 years ago. Things were much worse before that! But because I was so young (at the time) they didn’t fuse the vertebrae. Scar tissue filled up the space. Fusion is considered an absolute last resort. Right now I have troubles with my back a few times a year, and it is always a result of doing something I shouldn’t be doing. I try to be careful, but you know how it is. I am no where near needing a knee replacement. My condition was treated just with exercises. I think what happens is I don’t give things long enough to heal before I’m off on another adventure and then I injure some other joint. But I’ve been working hard at the exercises, so things should take a turn I think.

Hi Anne,
My doctor referred me to the clinic at a local University, treating their athletes (football, soccer, basketball etc) with muscle strengthing, was better in my opinion than some physio treatments just for the pain.
I hope you are on the mend.
Thanks for the presets and the instructions.

Hi Bob, I have a great physiotherapist now who does exactly that. Apparently I have a muscle imbalance related to my back surgery from 20 years ago, and that imbalance didn’t bother me until I started getting “older” 🙂 So now I have a variety of exercises to correct that imbalance. I just have to work on it longer before I go out and try to climb a mountain in search of bears! Thanks for your comments.

I have had problem with my left knee as it is something worn out. I have been investigated in hospital, but the doctor said it was too little worn for surgery. But I had a lot of pain. Therefore I went to a privat polyclinic. The doctor recommended injection in the knee with DUROLANE. (See information on Internet) Next day all pain had disappeared and I could walk, work and do all which I had done before. Injection with DUROLANE works for 60-70 % of the patients, and last for about 9 months. Then a new injection. Maybe this can work for you?

Hi Arvid, Glad you enjoyed the bear photos! Thanks for your suggestions about the knee issues. It turns out my problem was the knee cap tracking incorrectly and it has been helped with exercises. I don’t think I have too much wear and tear but we’ll see! Thanks for your comments.

Hi Anne, I’m a newcomer to your site as an elderly (84) amateur who is still learning. Thank you for the three books. I’ve already learned from them.

The Bosque del Apache here in New Mexico has long attracted photographers interested in shooting Sandhill Cranes and other waterfowl. But it also has a wide variety of wildlife ranging from bobcat and javelina up to deer, elk and mountain lion. You may have already visited but, if you have, consider a return trip.

I have not been to Bosque del Apache. I have heard a lot about it, but the thing that has kept me away is rumours of hundreds of photographers! I do like my quiet wilderness locations. But I am thinking of going there to see for myself. If it isn’t too crowded I would like to shoot there, but I really dislike locations where you are shoulder to shoulder with other photographers. Thanks for the suggestion though. One more to tip me in the direction of going!

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I’m Anne. This is my new life.

I traded in a traditional career for a new life as an outdoor photographer and writer. I live in an RV and travel around North America photographing beautiful places. I write about travel, photography, and how changing your life is not as scary as it seems. Read More…

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